choosing a thermalcycler - PE 9700 vs MJR PTC 100 (Jan/26/2002 )

Am trying to decide which of these cyclers to buy.  Need feedback from those who are familiar wtih and have had experience with both.  

I have experience with both thermocyclers. The 9700 and the MJR DNA engine are similarly priced FEATURE FOR FEATURE. The PE divice I used had a slight problem with the plastic cracking around the block. Not a big deal. However, the MJR machine is far more versitile. For example, you can select a block that contains two independently controled blocks each with a 48 sample capacity. That's like getting two PCR machines for only 2k more. Both companies will be more than willing to send you information.
....I just thought of this. This forum would be a good way for companies to check marketing stratagies. So if you are a PE employee - The MJ machine has it all over the 9700. If you are an MJ employee - right on!

I am not an employee of either company, I'm director of a private DNA testing lab for paternity and forensics.  Just curious as to which of the two to purchase.  Thanks for your infor

We have many MJ DNA engines in the lab but never tried PE pcr machine. I love the double-block MJ DNA engine, especially for its fast running, and programing feature. but you may wait for months to get your order. I don't know if they are delieving their products faster than a while back. (not affiliated with MJ or PE)

The service you can get for your machine is also something to consider. I have worked with both and i prefer the PE 9700. I like the screen on the PE where you can see an overview of your program, and its very easy to make changes in the program. Also, the older PE machines that we have in our lab never fail, when other brands do. I haven't used the MJR machines too often, so I don't have so much to complain on about them, but I'd choose the the PE 9700. Perkin Elmer rules OK!  

I have been using both PE 9700 and MJ's PTC 100 but I prefer PE 9700. The 9700 is easy to program and I like the viewing screen. This cycler also gives you the time the program will end. I am not sure if MJ has this feature.